Farming diversification can help in modifying the current farm business model into paths that may improve profit and income, as well as improving the quality of life for the farmer. While diversification can have risks and may not be appropriate for everyone, many businesses have found successful and profitable ways of diversifying.
LATEST
AHDB – Interest in farm diversification rises
Defra estimate that over 71% of farming businesses in England have some diversified* activity in 2023/24 (Defra, 2024). Since 2014/15, this proportion has gradually increased by 10 percentage points.
The Government announces changes to planning rules to help farmers to diversify
From 21st May 2024, the government extended permitted development rights (PDR), which means that farmers can now convert agricultural buildings for commercial use, or create up to 10 houses, without the need for planning permission.
The Farm Business Innovation Show
The place to be if you’re considering a diversification project. The show is dedicated to empowering farmers, landowners and agricultural professionals with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to drive innovation, diversification and growth in their businesses.
Pitchup
Have you ever considered setting up a campsite, glamping space, or caravan park on your land?
Pitchup is an online platform which allows visitors to book all of the above at over 5000 sites around the UK, Europe and the Americas.
If you think your farm could host holidaymakers, and you’d like to find out more, visit pitchup.com. You’ll find everything you need to know from information on planning permission, to taking payments, to waste disposal, to how such a venture might affect BPS entitlements.
If you’d like to hear from farm businesses who have already diversified, you can read and watch their first-hand experiences here:
Business start up hints and tips
Caroline Reeves, FCN supporter and part of the Rural Business Hub, has shared some useful tips about setting up a new business venture – including how to build and sustain momentum. This is available to download below:
NFU Mutual – Roads to Diversification Success
The NFU Mutual offers insights and analysis on the latest trends to help UK farmers explore farming diversification opportunities for the future, alongside some helpful case studies
Building an industrial strategy
- Farming and food and the Industrial Strategy: Strategies for Agricultural Technology (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
- Industrial strategy for farming (Defra)
- Farm diversification (NI Business Info)
- Festive diversification – Rural Solutions
Direction on how to make the most of your business
How British farms are diversifying
- CPRE Building resilience through diversification – download below.
Strutt and Parker have outlined: how to avoid the Pitfalls of farm diversification: Click here.
Check out these podcasts on farming diversification
- Farm diversification – ahead of the field (NFU Mutual)
CAAV – using a valuer for diversification – providing advice, grant/finance applications and any planning issues. Click here.